St. Clair man sentenced to jail, probation for break-ins

A 19-year-old St. Clair man described as an “absolute stoned addict” was sentenced Monday in Livingston County Circuit Court for multiple thefts.

Koby Lee Conrad was given five years probation with the first year spent in the county jail for multiple counts of breaking into a building with intent to steal and one count each of possession of burglar tools and receiving and concealing stolen property valued at $1,000 but less than $20,000.

Conrad sought sentencing under the state’s Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which would have suppressed his conviction from public view had he been successful on probation. However, Judge Michael P. Hatty denied that request.

Conrad was accused of numerous break-ins in Livingston County in February and March, including one at Haven Smoke Shop. His attorney, Evan Callanan, earlier told the court that his client is “an absolute stoned addict” who needed a recovery setting and not jail because his crimes were for the sole purpose of getting Kratom, which “mimics heroin.”

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration website, Kratom is a tree related to coffee that is native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the tree are chewed and if consumed in high doses, it produces “opiate effects,” the DEA reported.

“I hope you see the good in me,” Conrad told the judge at an earlier hearing. “This is not who I am. I’ve done bad things in my past. ... I pray for one more chance to prove myself. I’m going to make it this time.”

Conrad’s history includes convictions for delivery of marijuana and resisting police.